Self-luminous probes: Illuminating the path to biomedical breakthroughs.

Talanta

Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Changsha, 410078, PR China. Electronic address:

Published: August 2025


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Article Abstract

Self-luminous probes, encompassing chemiluminescent and bioluminescent types, generate light through chemical or enzyme-catalyzed reactions, respectively. Unlike photoluminescent probes, their independence from external excitation eliminates autofluorescence and enhances signal-to-noise ratios in imaging. Recent research highlights their versatility in detecting and imaging biomarkers, reactive oxygen species (ROS), heavy metals, and other analytes. This review systematically examines the luminescence mechanisms and structure-activity relationships of current self-luminous probes, and highlights recent progress in their biomedical applications, including detection, imaging, and theranostics. Furthermore, we discuss emerging trends and future directions, aiming to inspire the development of novel materials for multifunctional applications and promote the broader adoption of these technologies in research and clinical settings.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2025.128658DOI Listing

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